How can I smooth out the walls after removing ceramic tiles from my kitchen in a 1950s house for painting?
Asked by Ronald Elliott 
2 months ago
Last Updated: November 6, 2024
Our kitchen in the 1950s house had ceramic tiles running along the wall about 5 feet up. I took them down and have sanded three times with really rough grit. Any advice on how to make it smooth for painting?
I learned how to install sheetrock by watching videos from The Vancouver contractor on YouTube. With some practice, you can become a pro at installing sheetrock too.
That dude is the greatest on YouTube. I learned everything from him.
Use 40 grit on a power sander followed by a skim coat of Plus 3 mud for a smooth finish.
Remove the Sheetrock and replace the lower parts that have adhesive on them.
Mike – totally. It’s surprising how afraid people are of replacing drywall
Oh my gosh I’m so scared to do that because I have no clue what I’m doing haha
It’s really simple. And if you want to practice, just make a few holes in your wall to patch up! 🤣
Lol we bought a house. It’s 100 years old and they attached the cabinets with no backing to the drywall, so I want to take it all down, but I’m so nervous about uncovering other issues behind the walls ðŸ˜ðŸ˜‚
100 years old may not have drywall, but plaster? I could be totally wrong about that.
– nothing to fear here. PLUS once you become skilled at it, the fear vanishes from SO MANY projects
Instead of spending weeks sanding, consider replacing with new drywall for a more time-effective solution.
Been there before! Simply fill the low spots in the tile mastic grooves with drywall mud, let it dry, then level it out with another coat before sanding smooth. Also, consider getting a nice wide drywall blade.
Mentioned this
I encountered the same issue, so I just covered it up with a fasade.
Tanya rzegorczyk
What exactly is fasade?
https://diydecorstore.com/product-category/backsplash/brands/fasade-decorative-vinyl-backsplash-panels/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20772931125&utm_content=157470167455&utm_term=fasade%20backsplash&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=20772931125&utm_term=fasade%20backsplash&adgroupid=157470167455&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw65-zBhBkEiwAjrqRMMeXITuSAu_V3aabNt9bI6nIogoWkAYH4ytyhR4nwH-CkC_mseVnhoCAUYQAvD_BwE
Tanya rzegorczyk
It’s actually a proper noun, not a verb!
I’ve never come across it before, but it sounds intriguing
Try either skim coating with mud or replacing the Sheetrock to get a smooth enough surface for painting.
Apply a coat of primer and use 20-minute mud for a smooth finish, then prime again………
The best way to save time, money, and achieve a good appearance: new drywall
You should not continue trying.
The process of sanding is creating a large amount of harmful silica dust. Make sure to wear a 9000 series full-face respirator!
Add a decorative chair rail and smooth plaster below it.
Live long and prosper. c1986 LN
Either replace the sheetrock or apply spackle over it
Apply a couple of skim coats, do some gentle sanding, prime, and then paint.
You’ll still notice the level difference between the top and the bottom unless you skim the whole wall… that’s my guess.
I’d need to see that in person to make a judgement. Can’t tell just by looking at a picture.
We had to substitute the drywall
Just swap it out. It’s much easier to just remove this section of the wall and replace it with new material.
If this is drywall and not plaster, you can remove just the mastic portion of the drywall and replace it with new, or laminate the entire wall with 1/4 inch drywall, tape, and finish. Depending on how many times the walls have been painted and the nap of previous rollers used, it may be difficult to perfectly match the old finish. Make sure to lightly sand the entire old wall that is not being replaced before painting, and it should turn out fine.
Might have to remove that and find a replacement. 🥴
It might be simpler to just remove it and put in new drywall.
New drywall, drywall screws, spackle, joint tape, putty knife. It would probably cost around $50 and could be done in a day, maybe less.
Cut this out to save yourself some time and money. “Been there, done that”.
Replace and cut the drywall.
Switch out the lower section of your drywall.
I had the exact same issue with a wall, and what worked for me was using a paint scraper followed by a few skim coats.
You could tile over it, use wainscot paneling, or completely remove it. It’s going to be a messy project if there’s plaster on top of the drywall like in a lot of homes from the 1950s.
Taking out the old drywall and putting in new is the way to go
Brand new drywall
You can either cover it up with fresh drywall or remove the part that’s gross, it’s up to you.
‘t even think about it… that stuff is seriously bad news. Cut it out and put in new material
You can either apply a skim coat or cover it with drywall.
Install new drywall.
Using a belt sander with 40 grit should give it a nice appearance.